Human Health Article (9)

Incidence of smokingEach year, an estimated 3,000 nonsmoking Americans die of lung cancer, and 300,000 children suffer from lower respiratory tract infections because they inhaled the so called “secondhand smoke”. The term “secondhand smoke” refers to inhaling the smoke coming from the cigarettes that someone else is smokingMore than 5 million children living today will die prematurely because of the decision to use tobacco and smoke cigarettes. More than 3 million people under the age 18 smoke half a billion cigarettes each year and more than a half of them consider themselves dependent upon cigarettes.Health effects of tobacco smokingThe health effects of tobacco smoking are related to the direct tobacco smoking, as well as passive smoking, inhalation of environmental or secondhand tobacco smoke. When the cigarette smoke is inhaled, thousands of chemicals get into your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. These chemicals cause damage to different parts of the body: EyesIt is proven that different chemicals in tobacco can cause damage to the macula, which represents the most sensitive part of the retina. The tiny blood vessels can burst through the macula, leading to irreversible damage. Smoking also causes morphological and functional changes to the lens and retina due to its atherosclerotic and thrombotic effects on the ocular capillaries.Digestive systemSmoking is a risk factor for all cancers associated with the larynx, oral cavity and esophagus. There is no doubt that heavy smokers have laryngeal cancer mortality risks 20 to 30 times greater than non-smokers.Heart and circulationThe two main effects smoking has on the heart and circulation are:∙an increase in your heartbeat rate,∙ a sharp rise in blood pressureThis happens because nicotine attacks the nerves directly, causing the heart rate to rise and blood vessels to constrict. Since smokers have lungs filled with those dangerous fumes, the heart has to pump harder to get enough oxygen to the rest of the body. Smoking can also increase cholesterol and fibrinogen levels in the blood. The heart and circulation diseases caused by smoking include:∙Coronary heart disease (CHD),∙Aneurysm,∙Peripheral vascular disease (PVD),∙StrokeLungsThere is no doubt that the tar content of the cigarette smoke directly damages the cells in the airways of the lung. This can eventually causecancer of the lung or larynx. It can also lead to chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Several factors are contributing to the lung cancer:∙the daily dose of tobacco;∙the duration of regular smoking and∙the form in which tobacco is smokedBrainSmoking is linked to the buildup of fatty substances in the carotid artery, the main neck artery supplying blood to the brain, which represent one of the most important factors for developing a stroke. Other dangerous properties of tobacco smoke:∙nicotine raises blood pressure;∙carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen blood can carry to the brain;∙cigarette smoke makes the blood thicker and more likely to clotDigestive systemSmoking has been shown to have harmful effects on all parts of the digestive system, contributing to the development of many diseases such as:∙Heartburn∙Peptic ulcers∙Crohn's disease∙Gallstones∙Stomach cancerLiver and pancreasAlmost half of all the bladder and kidney cancers in men are caused by smoking.Skin and hairSmoking can damage the skin, mainly the substance called collagen which keeps the skin elastic. Smokers get deeper wrinkles all over their faces because nicotine constricts the tiny capillaries that nourish the skin. Not only that, smokers are also prone to premature thinning and graying of the hair.Bone and musclesIt is proven that tobacco smoke chemicals are poisons that inhibit the development of the new tissue cells. The tissue of smokers does not get an adequate blood supply to promote healing, thus smokers are at a much higher risk of developing osteoporosis.Smoking Is Expensive!!!Beside the fact that smoking causes damage to the health, it can be a very expensive habit! Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day can cost up to $1,800 dollars a year depending on the country you live in.The dangers of secondhand smokingPassive smoking is breathing in the environmental tobacco smoke, which consists of the smoke from the burning tobacco and exhaled mainstream smoke.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claim that about 90 percent of nonsmoking people in the United States are exposed to environmental or secondhand tobacco smoke. It is proven that constant exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, at the workplace or at home, nearly doubles the risk of having a heart attack. American Heart Association's Council on Cardiopulmonary and Critical Care have published a study in which they claim that environmental tobacco smoke is a major preventable cause of cardiovascular disease and death. The statement urges that environmental smoke be treated as an environmental toxin, and that ways be found to protect workers and the public from this health hazard.The following health problems have been associated with second-hand smoking:∙asthma in children∙lower respiratory tract infections∙lung cancer∙coronary heart disease.Secondhand smoke appears to present an equal danger to the fetus.Withdrawal symptomsSmokers continue to smoke in order to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, which can be very unpleasant. The withdrawal can bring about physical and emotional changes, which may include:∙Cravings∙Irritability, frustration, depression and/or anxiety∙Restlessness∙Difficulty concentrating∙Changed sleeping patterns∙Increase in appetite and weight gain∙Coughing.Withdrawal symptoms are the signs that the body is recovering and getting used to living without nicotine. On average, most symptoms are gone within two to four weeks. Heavy smokers may have some symptoms for a few more weeks.。